real problem was that neither the Thais or the Americans had the men or firepower to try and seize one of the heavily guarded muletrains. Perhaps further progress in controlling the narcotics trade depended on the political decision to commit enough forces to capture the mule trains or at least bar their route.
3. Finally I heard that one of the Yao producers was in Tachilek at the time in question and mortified to find the price down to 400-500 baht, but he was relieved to find the market in Laos unaffected and made his sale at 1400 baht.
4. In general I find everyone united in their contempt for the inaccuracy of the press, a view which it is difficult not to share. I have spoken to several people who say it is, or was, quite normal to see bodies in the river at Mae Sai, so the reporter must have been exceptionally naive to report the fact at all!
Copies to:
Chancery, RANGOON Mr Rolph, HONG KONG SEAD, FCO
CHIANG MAI
2
CONFIDENTIAL
L B Smith